E&M Tutorial VI: Exploring symmetry to calculate the electric field using Gauss's Law Documents

Main Document

written by
Chandralekha Singh and
the University of Pittsburgh Physics Education Research Group

This student tutorial covers the topics of symmetry and Gauss's Law in electrostatics. The material is appropriate for a calculus-based introductory physics course.

Please note that unlike tutorials I through V in this series, research into the use and design of this tutorial is not complete.

The tutorial is designed for use after traditional instruction as an in-class supplement, out-of-class homework, or student self-study tool. The authors recommend that the tutorial be given in-class to students working in groups of 2-3. A majority of student groups can finish the pre-test and tutorial in a 1 hour 50 minute period.

A test is provided that may be given as a pre-test (after traditional instruction and before the tutorial) or a post-test (the following class so that students that do not finish the tutorial can do so at home before taking the test). The test requires 15-20 minutes to complete.